INDIVIDUAL SPECIALISATIONS

During the all-round commando training life firing, demolition, communication and medical care are, among other things, major topics. Two commandos of each team are trained extra in a particular specialisation in addition to the basic knowledge they already have. The demolition specialist, the medic, the communication specialist, and, of course, the sniper are specialists, who are employed as such, irrespective of their assignment and the circumstances, and they give, if necessary, detailed instructions to other team members in the sphere of their own specialisation.

Insertion by parachute

In each company one team is specialized in insertion by parachute with the HAHO/HALO method (High altitude/High Opening - Low Altitude/Low Opening). HAHO/HALO means to jump on an altitude of up to 30,000 feet and to open the parachute on a high or a low altitude.
The maximum height to be parachuted from taking acceptable risks into account, is 30,000 feet. At that height the use of a resuscitator is required. By taking full advantage of the carrying capacity of the parachute and the jet stream it is possible to cover a distance of up to 30 miles.

Insertion in areas abounding in water (Water team)

The water team is trained to carry out special operations in areas that are abounding in water. The training is aimed at movement across, in and under water. Apparently, the members of water teams have to be good swimmers with or without the use of floating aids. The team is trained in the use of canoes and the team boat. Therefore they are to obtain navigation licenses for small and large boats.
A diving training is provided for movement under water. The training takes place at both the Engineer School and the Instruction Group Water of the Korps Commandotroepen. 

Mountain Warfare

llow a training in the sphere of mountain warfare, under the tree line.
Each company has one team specialised to carry out missions in areas that are above the tree line. These missions require specific knowledge and skills that are taught by the Instruction Group Mountain Warfare. The instructors of this particular group are in command of the so-called instructor qualifications mountain warfare (such as Heeresbergführer - Germany and Cordelet Rouge - Belgium) in order to independently provide training in the field of mountain warfare in several other countries.

Counter Terrorism (CT team)

Counter terrorism training for the CT-teams is focused at conducting missions abroad during crisis management and peace operations, especially in urban terrain.
Among other things, the teams have to take into account that they may meet sympathizing or hostile populations in the area of operations and opponents that may not be recognized as such. This requires a different approach, equipment, weaponry and training than special operations in general war.
Liberation of hostages, evacuation of embassies and capturing of war criminals are a few examples of missions that may be carried out by a CT-team. For the greater part, the Instruction Group Special Tactics of the Korps Commandotroepen provides the training of CT-teams.

All in all, the commando training lasts twelve months for candidates who are already on active duty or fourteen months for candidates taken in from civilian society. The commando training consists of a preparatory training of four to twelve weeks respectively, the Basic Commando Training (ECO) of fourteen weeks and the Advanced Commando Training (VCO) of twenty-six weeks. The main objective of the commando training is to acquire individual basic skills. In addition the commando learns to put these skills in to practice as a team.

Preparatory Training
Preparatory training of three months can be compared with the basic military training that is given to all servicemen: the only difference is the „commando touch" that goes with it. The basic teaching package ranges from weapon training, military first aid, physical training and sports, marches, lessons in hygiene and precautionary medical care, military law, basic information, Army ethics and organization theory. At the beginning of the third month the servicemen from the Royal Netherlands Army and the Marine Corps join the training.

Basic Commando Training
The Basic Commando Training lasts fourteen weeks. At the end of this period the craved Green Beret is presented to the successful participants during a „parents day". In order to succeed the participants have to give their best. The physically and mentally heavy training (in which, among other things, the field service Special Reconnaissance and Escape and Evasion training are included) is followed by periods of relative rest.

Advanced Commando Training
This final stage of twenty-six weeks is geared to the operational missions of the commandos and the skills and drills that go with it. Regular parts of the training are, among other things, a team vehicle driver's training, "Combat Life Saver", free fall parachute training, field services "Direct Action" and "Urban Terrain". For the last ten weeks each commando is additionally trained to become a sniper, a medic, a communication specialist or a demolition specialist irrespective of his specialization.

The Command, Support & Instruction Company is to support special operations and to provide specific courses. The company provides all training for own personnel as well as training for military schools such as the Royal Military Academy (KMA) and the Royal Military School (KMS) and for units of the Dutch part of 1 (GE/NL) Armycorps.

The Instruction Group External Training with the assistance of personnel of the Special Forces companies provides combat training that is ''combat mental training" by nature.

The Instruction Group Parachutists regularly provides parachutist training for other units. Other instruction groups also provide support to external training and courses.

In turns the three Special Forces companies participate in an exercise period, an operational and a training period respectively. Each period lasts about six months. In the so-called exercise period all conceivable missions, specializations integrated, are practiced as a team. Various themes such as special reconnaissance, direct action, special operations in urban terrain and crisis management operations come up in periods of approximately six weeks. This six-week program consists of a basic training (1 week), a specialization training (1 week), a team training (1 week), an exercise (2 weeks) and maintenance (1 week).
At the end of the entire training period the company participates in a Corps exercise in which the company has to prove its operational readiness.
If not on operations, teams follow advanced training. In the training period external training is provided, individual courses are followed and more inside-depth in the team specializations is gained.

Each team is basically trained for insertion on foot, by team vehicle, helicopter and parachute or a combination of these methods.
In addition a number of teams in each company is specialized in various means of insertion. Three teams in each company are specialized in the following insertion techniques: one team by parachute through the HAHO/HALO method; one team in inland water operations, if necessary with diving equipment; one team in mountain warfare. Moreover a number of teams are specialized in counter terrorism.
After the commando has completed his training (of approximately one year) he will follow the above-mentioned path twice during his four-year contract.